SMVFA Volunteers Wish You a Safe and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
By Southern Maryland Volunteers
December 14, 2025
As the holiday season fills Southern Maryland with lights, joy, and cherished traditions, the Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association (SMVFA) and its member companies extend warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and a safe, healthy New Year to all residents across Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties.
While this time of year brings well-deserved celebrations, it also brings increased risks for fire and accidents. The volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel of our region are always ready to respond - even on holidays - but we encourage all community members to take a few simple precautions to keep their homes and families safe.
Holiday Fire Safety: Simple Steps Can Save Lives
The SMVFA and its member departments respond to many calls during the holiday season that could have been prevented. Please keep these important fire safety tips in mind:
Water your live Christmas tree daily. A dry tree can catch fire in seconds.
Keep space heaters and open flames at least three feet away from anything that can burn.
Never leave cooking unattended. Kitchen fires remain the leading cause of home fires, especially during holiday meal preparation.
Use flameless candles when possible, and always extinguish real candles before leaving a room.
Test your smoke alarms and make sure they are working properly.
Celebrate New Year’s Responsibly
As New Year’s Eve approaches, the SMVFA reminds everyone to make a plan if alcohol will be part of your celebration:
Choose a designated driver before the night begins.
Use a ride-share service, call a taxi, or arrange for a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.
Never drive under the influence. Impaired driving endangers lives and can lead to serious, even fatal, consequences.
"Being safe doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate," said a representative from SMVFA. "Our volunteers are honored to serve, but we’d rather see everyone ring in the New Year safely at home with their families than respond to a preventable tragedy."
We’re Here for You - All Year Long
As 2025 approaches, the Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association and its member companies remain deeply committed to protecting the lives and property of our neighbors. We thank you for your continued support and recognize the incredible dedication of our volunteers, who give their time and talents year-round in service to the community.
From all of us at the SMVFA and our member departments: Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and may your holidays be filled with peace, joy, and safety.
Fire Safety Tip:Never leave holiday lights or candles unattended - unplug decorations before going to bed or leaving the house.
Follow the Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association on Facebook for updates, safety tips, and community news throughout the year.
I would like to wish all the Companies and Brothers and Sisters of SMVFA a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!🎊Stay safe in your travels and over the New Years!!!
